Police chief wants new vehicles, Tasers

As the city begins working on its 2013-14 budget, the Hardeeville Police Department wants to buy eight new vehicles.

Hardeeville Police Chief Richard Nagy said new vehicles are a must. While the department recently received a new, but used golf cart for community patrol, the officers are using 2006 model vehicles.

“Just like any weapon, it is necessary to update transportation,” he said. “We’ve maintained the fleet as best as we can but it’s time for new ones. While about eight cars are needed, we will take whatever the budget allows.”

Nagy said he also would like to have tasers for officers to use when needed.

While the surrounding areas, Ridgeland and Beaufort County, use tasers, Hardeeville is unable due to lack of funding, Nagy said.

If tasers are approved, the department must receive training in order to be equipped with the weapon.

“There are certain situations where tasers are necessary and can prevent the use of a deadly weapon,” Nagy said. “Officers must be trained, certified and tasered before carrying the weapon. If people see the weapon on the officer’s belt, they’re more willing to comply.”

All municipal departments will make budget requests to the finance department.

“The priorities of all departments are evaluated by me and staff before going to council with recommendations and the limited funds are distributed as best we can,” City Manager Bob Nanni said.

The police department’s budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year was $1,522,760 out of the city’s $6,469,983 operating budget and includes 19 sworn officers and two civilians.

With limited technology use of in-car cameras, the department opted to use $5,000 for six on-body cameras. TASER’s AXON Flex offers a new point-of-view to the police force.

The camera is attached to eyeglasses, recording every scene the officer sees. The video then uploads through a software program and the evidence is stored electronically for each user.

“This has been extremely useful by giving a new perspective,” Nagy said. “Unlike the in-car cameras, this goes everywhere an officer goes. On-foot chases or even while on a scene, the officer can hit record and we’ve got all the evidence while the in-car camera limits what is recorded.”

Nanni said the on-body camera creates an undeniable record.

“It shows that the City Council is committed to modernizing the departments, not only police but others as well,” Nanni said.

Nagy said if the city continues to grow, expansion of officers will definitely be needed.

“As the downtown area develops, we could use an officer dedicated to patrolling sidewalks, businesses and I think community would want to see that as well,” he said.

The department currently uses the golf cart as a way to be more approachable to the community. Officers takes turns patrolling Car-Moorer Acres and other residential areas along with downtown near Interstate 95, Exit 5.

“About two weeks ago, we had a vandalism situation that someone in the community witnessed and approached our officer on the golf cart. Through the citizen’s help, we were able to stop two young men,” Nagy said.

One improvement the department has made is providing a way for the public to contact the on-duty supervisor after hours if it is not a 911 emergency through a telephone prompt message system. Nagy wants to take into consideration all of the department needs in order to keep the community safe.

“We’re prioritizing and working with what we have,” Nagy said. “Most important thing is to keep the communication lines open to the community.”